>> NYSEG urges customers to stay away from downed power lines – even lines that appear dead can be deadly. NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.

>> Emergency generators can be dangerous. Carefully read, understand and follow manufacturer’s instructions when operating an emergency generator. Never run emergency generators indoors; operate them only outdoors in well-ventilated areas and away from windows and doors.

>> This will be the last release for the Oneonta Division.

>> The next news release will be distributed at 9:30 p.m

NYSEG POWER OUTAGES RESULTING FROM SEVERE WINTER STORM

Clifton Park, NY, February 24, 2010 (4 p.m.) – NYSEG crews are working to repair damage to the company’s electricity delivery system from the severe winter storm that tore through much of the company’s 10,000-square-mile, 25-county East Region today. NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1131 to report downed wires or other hazardous conditions. NYSEG’s natural gas emergency number is 1.800.572.1121.

NYSEG is currently restoring power to the customers impacted by this storm, and expects to have most customers restored by Thursday evening. However, due to the next winter storm that is predicted to hit on Thursday, NYSEG anticipates that additional power outages will occur.

During a power interruption

Contact neighbors to see if their power is off. A loss of power may be the result of a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.

Contact NYSEG (1.800.572.1131) to report a power interruption. Our telephone system lets callers report the problem, helps our crews respond quickly and efficiently, and provides customers with power interruption updates. Because many people may be trying to reach us during a power interruption, phone lines may be busy. Anyone who has access to a working computer during a power interruption can also report the interruption online at nyseg.com.

Listen to a battery-powered radio for weather and power restoration updates.

Turn off major appliances (electric water heaters, refrigerators and freezers) and sensitive electronic equipment (TVs, VCRs, DVD players, computers, stereos) to prevent overloading and possible damage when power is restored. Turning off this equipment may mean unplugging it, turning off a circuit breaker or removing a fuse for the circuit that provides power to this equipment. Leave one light switch “on” to know when power has been restored.

Emergency generators can be dangerous. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never run an emergency generator indoors; operate generators only outdoors in well-ventilated areas.

Don’t use a natural gas or propane range to heat your home.

Never use outdoor grills or stoves inside.

Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.

After your power is restored

If a basement or home was flooded, customers should have an electrician check the home and have a plumbing and heating contractor check natural gas appliances before contacting NYSEG to have services turned on.

Turn on appliances and sensitive electronic equipment one at a time to avoid overloading circuits.